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EP1491771B1 - Device for determining the actual position of an actuator - Google Patents

Device for determining the actual position of an actuator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1491771B1
EP1491771B1 EP04103012A EP04103012A EP1491771B1 EP 1491771 B1 EP1491771 B1 EP 1491771B1 EP 04103012 A EP04103012 A EP 04103012A EP 04103012 A EP04103012 A EP 04103012A EP 1491771 B1 EP1491771 B1 EP 1491771B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drive member
drive
potentiometer
permanent magnet
current position
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP04103012A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1491771A1 (en
Inventor
Frank Jacobs
Wolfgang Brandes
Ernst-August Meyer
Norbert Fortmann
Thomas Liesenhoff
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aventics GmbH
Original Assignee
Rexroth Mecman GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE2003129045 external-priority patent/DE10329045B4/en
Priority claimed from DE2003129044 external-priority patent/DE10329044B4/en
Application filed by Rexroth Mecman GmbH filed Critical Rexroth Mecman GmbH
Publication of EP1491771A1 publication Critical patent/EP1491771A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1491771B1 publication Critical patent/EP1491771B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
    • G01D5/14—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
    • G01D5/16—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying resistance
    • G01D5/165—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying resistance by relative movement of a point of contact or actuation and a resistive track
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B15/00—Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith
    • F15B15/20—Other details, e.g. assembly with regulating devices
    • F15B15/28—Means for indicating the position, e.g. end of stroke
    • F15B15/2815—Position sensing, i.e. means for continuous measurement of position, e.g. LVDT
    • F15B15/2853—Position sensing, i.e. means for continuous measurement of position, e.g. LVDT using potentiometers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B15/00—Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith
    • F15B15/20—Other details, e.g. assembly with regulating devices
    • F15B15/28—Means for indicating the position, e.g. end of stroke
    • F15B15/2815—Position sensing, i.e. means for continuous measurement of position, e.g. LVDT
    • F15B15/2861—Position sensing, i.e. means for continuous measurement of position, e.g. LVDT using magnetic means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for determining the current position of a drive member along the stroke or angle of rotation, especially in a fluid-operated linear or rotary drive, which is housed within a drive housing movable by Druckstoffbeetzschung, wherein the drive member is a permanent magnet for magnetic interaction with outside or at the LK:
  • Drive housing arranged means for detecting the current position of the drive member.
  • the field of application of the invention extends to the field of automation technology.
  • the current position of the piston is detected as a drive member to provide the information to a parent electronic control unit in which extended position, the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder is in result of pressure medium.
  • the pneumatic cylinder is operated coordinated within an automation system.
  • the pointer At the position of the pointer is visually read the current position of the drive member within the cylinder tube as a closed drive housing.
  • a disadvantage of this solution is that such a combination of a magnetic rotor with a conventional linear potentiometer requires a fairly large amount of space. Furthermore, in the area of connection between the magnetic rotor and the wiper of the linear potentiometer, mechanical jamming and thus failure of this mechanical position measuring system can occur.
  • the invention includes the technical teaching that the means for detecting the current position of the drive member comprises a potentiometer in the magnetic effective range of the permanent magnet of the drive member and along the stroke or angle of rotation Potentiometerfolienelement whose contact electrode extends axially parallel to the drive member and the magnetic force of the permanent magnet locally concentrated actuated.
  • the advantage of the solution according to the invention lies, in particular, in the fact that a space-saving solution for measuring distance can be represented with the flat-type potentiometer foil element.
  • the Potentiometerfolienelement can be operated locally concentrated directly by the permanent magnet integrated in the drive member. This accounts for sliding frictional intermediate components in the operating force flow, so that jamming of components of the path measuring device is not to be feared.
  • a Potentiometerfolienelement which is suitable for use in the present invention, per se, for example, from DE 43 35 004 C2.
  • the Potentiometerfolienelement consists of a lower carrier on which a resistance path is applied.
  • An upper support is provided on which a contact path following the path of the resistive contact electrode is applied, which is opposite to the resistance path separated by an insulating frame in electrical isolation distance and can be brought into electrical connection by pressing the upper support with the resistance path.
  • Corresponding electrical connection poles at the ends of the resistance path as well as at the contact electrode are provided so that a corresponding evaluation electronics can be detected on the basis of the electrical resistance changing as a result of the pressing of the upper carrier as the location of the pressure point.
  • the actuation d. H. that the pressing of the contact electrode to the resistance path, magnetic, namely by the embedded in the drive member permanent magnet.
  • At least one reinforcing element in the form of a ferromagnetic body is advantageously arranged on the side of the potentiometer foil element opposite the permanent magnet of the drive element.
  • an attractively polarized further permanent magnet can also be provided here as a reinforcing element.
  • the at least one reinforcing element is designed as a ferro-containing plastic film applied to the actuating surface (upper carrier) of the foil potentiometer element.
  • the plastic film follows partially the attraction of the introduced in the drive member permanent magnet when driving through the stroke.
  • a ferro-containing plastic film can also be used a suitably enclosed in a container fluid.
  • the device generally described above for determining the current position of a drive member along a stroke or a rotation angle is - as already stated above - in particular for use in a pneumatic cylinder as a linear drive, whose piston represents the drive member.
  • a pneumatic rotary drive used, wherein the rotary blade of the rotary drive acts as a drive member.
  • the means for detecting the current position of a drive member are arranged only in at least one end position thereof to form a kind of limit switch.
  • the potentiometer foil element optionally with reinforcing element, to be accommodated within a closed channel introduced into the wall of the drive housing.
  • Interfering environmental influences, in particular mechanical damage to the sensitive Potentiometerfolienelements can thus be effectively prevented without the function of the Potentiometerfolienelements is impaired.
  • the linear drive embodied here as a pneumatic cylinder 1 consists essentially of a drive housing 2 in which a drive member 3 in the form of a piston is accommodated longitudinally movably. From the drive member 3 extends from a drive rod 4, here a piston rod, which penetrates the drive housing 2 sealed to one side to pass the mechanical force generated by the pneumatic cylinder 1 to the outside.
  • the power is generated in a conventional manner via - not shown - external pressure medium connections, with which the inner drive member 3 can be acted upon alternately to effect an extension or retraction of the drive rod 4.
  • the length of the pneumatic cylinder 1 defines the maximum possible stroke of the drive rod. 4
  • the means for detecting the current position of the drive member 3 are provided which extend over the entire stroke range of the pneumatic cylinder 1 and consist essentially of a Potentiometerfolienelement 5.
  • the Potentiometerfolienelement 5 is magnetically actuated by a permanent magnet 6 integrated in the drive member 3 by a contact electrode 7 of the Potentiometerfolienelements 6 axially parallel to the direction of movement of the drive member 3 and is depressed to a resistance path disposed below, as soon as the radially outwardly directed magnetic field of the permanent magnet 6 applies a corresponding locally concentrated tensile force. If the permanent magnet 6 is not in the effective range of the Potentiometerfolienelements 5, then the contact electrode 7 is spaced from the resistance track 8. An interposed insulating frame 9 serves this purpose.
  • a reinforcing element 10 is provided on the permanent magnet 6 of the drive member 3 opposite side of the Potentiometerfolienelements 5.
  • the reinforcing element 10 is here designed as a ferro-containing plastic film applied to an upper actuating surface 11.
  • FIG. 2 special means are provided for detecting the two end position positions, which are arranged only in the region of both end positions and consist essentially of one respective potentiometer film element 5a, 5b.
  • the potentiometer foil elements 5a and 5b are also magnetically actuated here by a permanent magnet 6 integrated in the drive element 3. Otherwise, this embodiment is similar to the Ausumngsform described above.
  • the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable thereof, which are encompassed by the scope of the claims.
  • the application of the device according to the invention is not limited solely to pneumatic cylinders. It can hereby also other than linear or rotary actuators trained actuators are equipped.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Actuator (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
  • Hydraulic Clutches, Magnetic Clutches, Fluid Clutches, And Fluid Joints (AREA)
  • Portable Nailing Machines And Staplers (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
  • Sewing Machines And Sewing (AREA)

Abstract

Arrangement for determining the actual position of a drive member (3) along its stroke or angular path, comprises a permanent magnet (6) mounted on the drive member so that it can interact with means for detecting the position of the drive member. The detecting means comprise a potentiometer film element (5), whose contact electrode (7) is aligned parallel to the drive member. On the side of the film element opposing the magnet is a strengthening element (10) in the form of a ferromagnetic material containing plastic film.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Einrichtung zur Ermittlung der aktuellen Stellung eines Antriebsgliedes entlang des Hubwegs oder Drehwinkels, insbesondere bei einem druckmittelbetriebenen Linear- bzw. Drehantrieb, das innerhalb eines Antriebsgehäuses durch Druckmittelbeaufschlagung bewegbar untergebracht ist, wobei das Antriebsglied einen Permanentmagneten zum magnetischen Zusammenwirken mit außerhalb oder am LK:The present invention relates to a device for determining the current position of a drive member along the stroke or angle of rotation, especially in a fluid-operated linear or rotary drive, which is housed within a drive housing movable by Druckmittelbeaufschlagung, wherein the drive member is a permanent magnet for magnetic interaction with outside or at the LK:

Antriebsgehäuse angeordneten Mitteln zur Detektion der aktuellen Stellung des Antriebsgliedes aufweist.Drive housing arranged means for detecting the current position of the drive member.

Das Einsatzgebiet der Erfindung erstreckt sich auf den Bereich der Automatisierungstechnik. Beispielsweise bei Pneumatikzylindern, als automatisierungstechnische Komponenten wird die aktuelle Stellung des Kolbens als Antriebsglied detektiert, um einer übergeordneten elektronischen Steuereinheit die Information darüber zu vermitteln, in welcher Ausfahrstellung sich die Kolbenstange des Pneumatikzylinders in Ergebnis einer Druckmittelbeaufschlagung befindet. Mit dieser steuerungstechnischen Information wird der Pneumatikzylinder innerhalb eines Automatisierungssystems koordiniert betrieben.The field of application of the invention extends to the field of automation technology. For example, in pneumatic cylinders, as automation components, the current position of the piston is detected as a drive member to provide the information to a parent electronic control unit in which extended position, the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder is in result of pressure medium. With this control-technical information, the pneumatic cylinder is operated coordinated within an automation system.

Aus der DE 38 03 268 A1 geht eine gattungsgemäße Einrichtung hervor. Diese besteht im wesentlichen aus einem pneumatischen oder hydraulischen Arbeitszylinder, dessen Zylinderrohr aus einem unmagnetischen Material hergestellt ist und dessen Kolben als Arbeitsglied einen in Achsrichtung der Kolbenstange polarisierten Permanentmagneten aufweist. An der Außenwand des Zylinderrohres ist im Bereich des Druckraums ein weiterer Permanentmagnet vorgesehen, der in einem Gehäuse untergebracht ist, in dem ein Läufer bewegbar ist. Der Läufer weist einen Permanentmagneten auf, der mit dem Permanentmagneten des Kolbens magnetisch gekoppelt ist. Aufgrund dieser magnetischen Kopplung wird die Bewegung des Kolbens synchron auf den Läufer übertragen, der die jeweilige Stellung des Kolbens mit Hilfe eines Zeigers an einem Messstab anzeigt. An der Stellung des Zeigers ist optisch die aktuelle Stellung des Antriebsgliedes innerhalb des Zylinderrohres als geschlossenes Antriebsgehäuses ablesbar. Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform wird hier vorgeschlagen, den Zeiger mit einem Schleifer eines linearverstellbaren herkömmlichen Potentiometers zu koppeln, um ein die aktuelle Stellung des Kolbens repräsentierendes elektrisches Signal zu gewinnen, welches mit einer elektronischen Steuereinheit entsprechend auswertbar und weiterverarbeitbar ist.From DE 38 03 268 A1 a generic device is apparent. This consists essentially of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, the cylinder tube is made of a non-magnetic material and the piston has a working member as a polarized in the axial direction of the piston rod permanent magnet. On the outer wall of the cylinder tube, a further permanent magnet is provided in the region of the pressure chamber, which is housed in a housing in which a rotor is movable. The rotor has a permanent magnet which is magnetically coupled to the permanent magnet of the piston. Due to this magnetic coupling, the movement of the piston is synchronously transmitted to the rotor, which indicates the respective position of the piston by means of a pointer on a dipstick. At the position of the pointer is visually read the current position of the drive member within the cylinder tube as a closed drive housing. According to a further embodiment, it is proposed here to couple the pointer with a grinder of a linearly adjustable conventional potentiometer in order to obtain an electrical signal representing the current position of the piston, which can be evaluated and further processed by an electronic control unit.

Ein Nachteil dieser Lösung besteht jedoch darin, dass eine solche Kombination eines magnetischen Läufers mit einem herkömmlichen Linear-Potentiometer einen recht großen Bauraum erfordert. Weiterhin kann es im Verbindungsbereich zwischen dem magnetischen Läufer und dem Schleifer des Linear-Potentiometers zu mechanischen Verklemmungen und damit zum Ausfall dieses mechanischen Wegmesssystems kommen.A disadvantage of this solution, however, is that such a combination of a magnetic rotor with a conventional linear potentiometer requires a fairly large amount of space. Furthermore, in the area of connection between the magnetic rotor and the wiper of the linear potentiometer, mechanical jamming and thus failure of this mechanical position measuring system can occur.

Es ist daher die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung eine Einrichtung zur Ermittlung der aktuellen Stellung eines Antriebsgliedes entlang des Hubweges oder Drehwinkels zu schaffen, die mit einfachen technischen Mitteln bauraumsparend eine zuverlässige Wegmessung gewährleistet.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for determining the current position of a drive member along the stroke or angle of rotation, which ensures space-saving reliable installation with simple technical means.

Die Aufgabe wird ausgehend von einer Einrichtung gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 in Verbindung mit dessen kennzeichnenden Merkmalen gelöst. Die nachfolgenden abhängigen Ansprüche geben vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung wieder.The object is achieved on the basis of a device according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. The following dependent claims give advantageous developments of the invention.

Die Erfindung schließt die technische Lehre ein, dass die Mittel zur Detektion der aktuellen Stellung des Antriebgliedes ein im magnetischen Wirkbereich des Permanentmagneten des Antriebsgliedes und entlang dessen Hubwegs bzw. Drehwinkels angeordnetes Potentiometerfolienelement umfassen, dessen Kontaktelektrode achsparallel zum Antriebsglied verläuft und über die magnetische Kraft des Permanentmagneten örtlich konzentriert betätigbar ist.The invention includes the technical teaching that the means for detecting the current position of the drive member comprises a potentiometer in the magnetic effective range of the permanent magnet of the drive member and along the stroke or angle of rotation Potentiometerfolienelement whose contact electrode extends axially parallel to the drive member and the magnetic force of the permanent magnet locally concentrated actuated.

Der Vorteil der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung liegt insbesondere darin, dass mit dem flachbauenden Potentiometerfolienelement eine besonders bauraumsparende Lösung zur Wegmessung darstellbar ist. Das Potentiometerfolienelement kann direkt durch den im Antriebsglied integrierten Permanentmagneten örtlich konzentriert betätigt werden. Damit entfallen gleitreibungsbehaftete zwischengeschaltete Bauelemente im Betätigungskraftfluss, so dass ein Verklemmen von Komponenten der Wegmesseinrichtung nicht zu befürchten ist.The advantage of the solution according to the invention lies, in particular, in the fact that a space-saving solution for measuring distance can be represented with the flat-type potentiometer foil element. The Potentiometerfolienelement can be operated locally concentrated directly by the permanent magnet integrated in the drive member. This accounts for sliding frictional intermediate components in the operating force flow, so that jamming of components of the path measuring device is not to be feared.

Ein Potentiometerfolienelement, was sich zum Einsatz bei der vorliegenden Erfindung eignet, geht an sich beispielsweise aus der DE 43 35 004 C2 hervor. Das Potentiometerfolienelement besteht aus einem unteren Träger, auf dem eine Widerstandsstrecke aufgebracht ist. Ein oberer Träger ist vorgesehen, auf dem eine dem Bahnverlauf der Widerstandsstrecke folgende Kontaktelektrode aufgebracht ist, die der Widerstandsstrecke getrennt durch einen Isolierrahmen im elektrischen Isolierabstand gegenüberliegt und durch Andrücken des oberen Trägers mit der Widerstandsstrecke in elektrische Verbindung bringbar ist. Entsprechende elektrische Anschlusspole an den Enden der Widerstandsstrecke sowie an der Kontaktelektrode sind vorgesehen, so dass anhand der durch Andrücken des oberen Trägers sich ändernde elektrische Widerstand als Ort des Andrückpunktes über eine entsprechende Auswertelektronik erfassbar ist.A Potentiometerfolienelement, which is suitable for use in the present invention, per se, for example, from DE 43 35 004 C2. The Potentiometerfolienelement consists of a lower carrier on which a resistance path is applied. An upper support is provided on which a contact path following the path of the resistive contact electrode is applied, which is opposite to the resistance path separated by an insulating frame in electrical isolation distance and can be brought into electrical connection by pressing the upper support with the resistance path. Corresponding electrical connection poles at the ends of the resistance path as well as at the contact electrode are provided so that a corresponding evaluation electronics can be detected on the basis of the electrical resistance changing as a result of the pressing of the upper carrier as the location of the pressure point.

Erfindungsgemäß erfolgt die Betätigung, d. h. dass das Andrücken der Kontaktelektrode an die Widerstandsbahn, magnetisch, nämlich durch den im Antriebsglied eingelassenen Permanentmagneten.According to the invention, the actuation, d. H. that the pressing of the contact electrode to the resistance path, magnetic, namely by the embedded in the drive member permanent magnet.

Zur Verstärkung der die Kontaktelektrode des Potentiometerfolienelements betätigenden magnetischen Kraft ist vorteilhafter Weise an der dem Permanentmagneten des Antriebsgliedes gegenüberliegenden Seite des Potentiometerfolienelements mindestens ein Verstärkungselement in Form eines ferromagnetischen Körpers angeordnet. Alternativ zum ferromagnetischen Körper kann hier auch ein anziehend polarisiert ausgerichteter weiterer Permanentmagnet als Verstärkungselement vorgesehen werden.In order to amplify the magnetic force acting on the contact electrode of the potentiometer foil element, at least one reinforcing element in the form of a ferromagnetic body is advantageously arranged on the side of the potentiometer foil element opposite the permanent magnet of the drive element. As an alternative to the ferromagnetic body, an attractively polarized further permanent magnet can also be provided here as a reinforcing element.

Im einfachsten Falle ist das mindestens eine Verstärkungselement als eine auf die Betätigungsoberfläche (oberer Träger) das Folienpotentiometerelements aufgebrachte ferrohaltige Kunststofffolie ausgebildet. Die Kunststofffolie folgt partiell der Anziehungskraft des im Antriebsglied eingebrachten Permanentmagneten beim Durchfahren des Hubwegs.In the simplest case, the at least one reinforcing element is designed as a ferro-containing plastic film applied to the actuating surface (upper carrier) of the foil potentiometer element. The plastic film follows partially the attraction of the introduced in the drive member permanent magnet when driving through the stroke.

Anstelle einer ferrohaltigen Kunststofffolie kann auch ein in geeigneter Weise in ein Behältnis eingeschlossenes Fluid verwendet.Instead of a ferro-containing plastic film can also be used a suitably enclosed in a container fluid.

Die vorstehend allgemein beschriebene Einrichtung zur Ermittlung der aktuellen Stellung eines Antriebsgliedes entlang eines Hubwegs oder eines Drehwinkels eignet sich - wie bereits vorstehend ausgeführt - insbesondere zum Einsatz bei einem Pneumatikzylinder als Linearantrieb, dessen Kolben das Antriebsglied repräsentiert. Daneben ist es auch möglich, die vorliegende Erfindung bei einem pneumatischen Drehantrieb zum Einsatz zu bringen, wobei der Drehflügel des Drehantriebs als Antriebsglied fungiert.The device generally described above for determining the current position of a drive member along a stroke or a rotation angle is - as already stated above - in particular for use in a pneumatic cylinder as a linear drive, whose piston represents the drive member. In addition, it is also possible to bring the present invention in a pneumatic rotary drive used, wherein the rotary blade of the rotary drive acts as a drive member.

Es ist auch denkbar, dass die Mittel zu Detektion der aktuellen Stellung eines Antriebsgliedes lediglich in mindestens einer Endlagenposition desselben angeordnet sind, um eine Art Endlagenschalter zu bilden.It is also conceivable that the means for detecting the current position of a drive member are arranged only in at least one end position thereof to form a kind of limit switch.

Gemäß einer weiteren, die Erfindung verbessernde Maßnahme ist vorgesehen, dass das Potentiometerfolienelement, ggf. mit Verstärkungselement, innerhalb eines in die Wandung des Antriebsgehäuses eingebrachten, geschlossenen Kanals untergebracht ist. Störende Umwelteinflüsse, insbesondere mechanische Beschädigungen des empfindlichen Potentiometerfolienelements, können somit wirkungsvoll verhindert werden, ohne das die Funktion des Potentiometerfolienelements beeinträchtigt wird.According to a further measure improving the invention, provision is made for the potentiometer foil element, optionally with reinforcing element, to be accommodated within a closed channel introduced into the wall of the drive housing. Interfering environmental influences, in particular mechanical damage to the sensitive Potentiometerfolienelements can thus be effectively prevented without the function of the Potentiometerfolienelements is impaired.

Weitere die Erfindung verbessernde Maßnahmen werden nachstehend gemeinsam mit der Beschreibung bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der Figuren näher dargestellt. Es zeigt:

Figur 1
eine perspektivische, schematische Darstellung eines Pneumatikzylinders als Linearantrieb, welcher mit einer Einrichtung zur Ermittlung der aktuellen Stellung des innenliegenden Kolbens ausgestattet ist, und
Figur 2
eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Pneumatikzylinders als Linearantrieb, welcher mit einer Einrichtung zur Ermittlung beider Endlagenpositionen eines integrierten Antriebsgliedes ausgestattet ist.
Further measures improving the invention will be described in more detail below together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to FIGS. It shows:
FIG. 1
a perspective, schematic representation of a pneumatic cylinder as a linear drive, which is equipped with a device for determining the current position of the inner piston, and
FIG. 2
a perspective schematic representation of another pneumatic cylinder as a linear drive, which is equipped with a device for determining both end positions of an integrated drive member.

Gemäß Figur 1 besteht der hier als Pneumatikzylinder 1 ausgebildete Linearantrieb im Wesentlichen aus einem Antriebsgehäuse 2, in welchem ein Antriebsglied 3 in Form eines Kolbens längs bewegbar untergebracht ist. Vom Antriebsglied 3 aus verläuft eine Antriebsstange 4, hier eine Kolbenstange, welche das Antriebsgehäuse 2 zu einer Seite hin abgedichtet durchdringt, um die mit dem Pneumatikzylinder 1 erzeugte mechanische Kraft nach außen hin weiterzugeben. Die Krafterzeugung erfolgt in herkömmlicher Weise über - nicht weiter dargestellte - äußere Druckmittelanschlüsse, mit welchen das innenliegende Antriebsglied 3 wechselseitig beaufschlagbar ist, um ein Ein- oder Ausfahren der Antriebsstange 4 zu bewirken. Die Länge des Pneumatikzylinders 1 definiert den maximal möglichen Hub der Antriebsstange 4.According to FIG. 1, the linear drive embodied here as a pneumatic cylinder 1 consists essentially of a drive housing 2 in which a drive member 3 in the form of a piston is accommodated longitudinally movably. From the drive member 3 extends from a drive rod 4, here a piston rod, which penetrates the drive housing 2 sealed to one side to pass the mechanical force generated by the pneumatic cylinder 1 to the outside. The power is generated in a conventional manner via - not shown - external pressure medium connections, with which the inner drive member 3 can be acted upon alternately to effect an extension or retraction of the drive rod 4. The length of the pneumatic cylinder 1 defines the maximum possible stroke of the drive rod. 4

Des weiteren sind die Mittel zur Detektion der aktuellen Stellung des Antriebsgliedes 3 vorgesehen, welche über den gesamten Hubbereich des Pneumatikzylinders 1 verlaufen und im Wesentlichen aus einem Potentiometerfolienelement 5 bestehen. Das Potentiometerfolienelement 5 wird von einem im Antriebsglied 3 integrierten Permanentmagneten 6 magnetisch betätigt, indem eine Kontaktelektrode 7 des Potentiometerfolienelements 6 achsparallel zur Bewegungsrichtung des Antriebsglieds 3 verläuft und auf eine unterhalb angeordnete Widerstandsbahn 8 niedergedrückt wird, sobald das nach radial außen gerichtete magnetische Feld des Permanentmagneten 6 eine entsprechend örtlich konzentrierte Zugkraft aufbringt. Wenn sich der Permanentmagnet 6 nicht im Wirkungsbereich des Potentiometerfolienelements 5 befindet, dann bleibt die Kontaktelektrode 7 von der Widerstandsbahn 8 beabstandet. Hierfür dient ein zwischengeordneter Isolierrahmen 9.Furthermore, the means for detecting the current position of the drive member 3 are provided which extend over the entire stroke range of the pneumatic cylinder 1 and consist essentially of a Potentiometerfolienelement 5. The Potentiometerfolienelement 5 is magnetically actuated by a permanent magnet 6 integrated in the drive member 3 by a contact electrode 7 of the Potentiometerfolienelements 6 axially parallel to the direction of movement of the drive member 3 and is depressed to a resistance path disposed below, as soon as the radially outwardly directed magnetic field of the permanent magnet 6 applies a corresponding locally concentrated tensile force. If the permanent magnet 6 is not in the effective range of the Potentiometerfolienelements 5, then the contact electrode 7 is spaced from the resistance track 8. An interposed insulating frame 9 serves this purpose.

Für weitere Einzelheiten hinsichtlich des Potentiometerfolienelements 5 wird an dieser Stelle voll inhaltlich auf die DE 43 35 004 C2 verwiesen, welche Aufbau und Funktion eines Potentiometerfolienelements der Gattung nach näher beschreibt.For further details regarding the Potentiometerfolienelements 5 is fully referenced at this point to DE 43 35 004 C2, which describes the structure and function of a Potentiometerfolienelements the genus in more detail.

Zur Verstärkung der magnetischen Kraft, welche die Kontaktelektrode 7 des Potentiometerfolienelements 5 betätigt, ist an der dem Permanentmagneten 6 des Antriebsgliedes 3 gegenüberliegenden Seite des Potentiometerfolienelements 5 ein Verstärkungselement 10 vorgesehen. Das Verstärkungselement 10 ist hier als eine auf einer oberen Betätigungsoberfläche 11 aufgebrachte ferrohaltige Kunststofffolie ausgebildet.To reinforce the magnetic force which actuates the contact electrode 7 of the Potentiometerfolienelements 5, a reinforcing element 10 is provided on the permanent magnet 6 of the drive member 3 opposite side of the Potentiometerfolienelements 5. The reinforcing element 10 is here designed as a ferro-containing plastic film applied to an upper actuating surface 11.

In der Figur 2 sind spezielle Mittel zur Detektion der beiden Endlagenpositionen vorgesehen, welche nur im Bereich beider Endlagen angeordnet sind und im Wesentlichen aus je einem Potentiometerfolienelement 5a, 5b bestehen. Die Potentiometerfolienelemente 5a und 5b werden auch hier von einem im Antriebsglied 3 integrierten Permanentmagneten 6 magnetisch betätigt. Ansonsten gleicht diese Ausführungsform der vorstehend beschriebenen Ausfühmngsform.In FIG. 2, special means are provided for detecting the two end position positions, which are arranged only in the region of both end positions and consist essentially of one respective potentiometer film element 5a, 5b. The potentiometer foil elements 5a and 5b are also magnetically actuated here by a permanent magnet 6 integrated in the drive element 3. Otherwise, this embodiment is similar to the Ausfühmngsform described above.

Die Erfindung ist nicht beschränkt auf die vorstehend beschriebenen bevorzugten Ausführungsformen. Es sind vielmehr auch eine Reihe von Varianten hiervon denkbar, die vom Schutzbereich der Ansprüche umfasst sind. So ist die Anwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung nicht allein beschränkt auf Pneumatikzylinder. Es können hiermit vielmehr auch andere als Linear- oder Drehantriebe ausgebildete Aktoren ausgestattet werden.The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable thereof, which are encompassed by the scope of the claims. Thus, the application of the device according to the invention is not limited solely to pneumatic cylinders. It can hereby also other than linear or rotary actuators trained actuators are equipped.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Pneumatikzylinderpneumatic cylinder
22
Antriebsgehäusedrive housing
33
Antriebsglieddrive member
44
Antriebsstangedrive rod
55
PotentiometerfolienelementPotentiometerfolienelement
66
Permanentmagnetpermanent magnet
77
Kontaktelektrodecontact electrode
88th
Widerstandsbahnresistance path
99
Isolierrahmeninsulating frame
1010
Verstärkungselementreinforcing element
1111
Betätigungsoberflächeactuating surface

Claims (6)

  1. An apparatus for determining the current position of a drive member (3) along its travel path or rotary angle, in particular in a linear or rotary drive operated with a pressurized-medium and which is accommodated within a drive housing (2) and moveable by means of the application of a pressurized medium, wherein the drive member (3) includes a permanent magnet (6) for magnetic interaction with means arranged on the outside of or on the drive housing (2) for detecting the current position of a drive member (3),
    characterised in that the means for detecting the current position comprise a potentiometer foil element (5) arranged within the range of magnetic effect of the permanent magnet (6) and along the travel path or the rotary angle and having a contact electrode (7) extending in parallel to the axis of the drive member (3) and able to be operated in a locally concentrated way by means of the magnetic force of the permanent magnet (6), wherein on the side of the potentiometer foil element (5) opposite the permanent magnet (6) of the drive member (3) at least one amplification element (10) in the form of a plastic film containing a ferromagnetic material is arranged on the operating surface (11) of the potentiometer foil element (5).
  2. The apparatus according to claim 1,
    characterised in that said means for detecting the current position of a drive member (3) are only positioned in at least one end-of-travel position thereof to act as an end-of-travel switch.
  3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
    characterised in that said drive member (3) is a piston of a pneumatic cylinder (1) as a linear drive.
  4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
    characterised in that said drive member (3) is a rotary wing of a pneumatic rotary drive.
  5. The apparatus according to claim 2,
    characterised in that said linear drive or said rotary drive has exactly two end-of-travel positions, each having a single potentiometer foil element (5a, 5b) associated with it.
  6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that said potentiometer foil element (5; 5a, 5b) is accommodated within an enclosed channel incorporated in the wall of the drive housing (2).
EP04103012A 2003-06-27 2004-06-28 Device for determining the actual position of an actuator Expired - Lifetime EP1491771B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE2003129045 DE10329045B4 (en) 2003-06-27 2003-06-27 Means for determining at least one end position of a drive member, in particular a fluid-operated linear or rotary drive
DE2003129044 DE10329044B4 (en) 2003-06-27 2003-06-27 Means for determining the current position of a drive member along the stroke or angle of rotation, in particular in a fluid-operated linear or rotary drive
DE10329045 2003-06-27
DE10329044 2003-06-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1491771A1 EP1491771A1 (en) 2004-12-29
EP1491771B1 true EP1491771B1 (en) 2006-03-01

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04103012A Expired - Lifetime EP1491771B1 (en) 2003-06-27 2004-06-28 Device for determining the actual position of an actuator

Country Status (3)

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EP (1) EP1491771B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE319015T1 (en)
DE (1) DE502004000325D1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202008013690U1 (en) 2007-11-26 2009-02-12 Metallux Ag sensor
DE102007056768A1 (en) 2007-11-23 2009-06-04 Metallux Ag sensor
DE102009025458A1 (en) 2009-06-19 2011-01-05 Metallux Ag Sensor i.e. position sensor, has soft magnetic actuator body extending along one of carrier foils, and permanent magnetic restoring body extending along one of carrier foils on side that is turned away from actuator body

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2084498A2 (en) * 2006-11-18 2009-08-05 Hirschmann Automotive GmbH Magnetic position sensor
DE102009013533A1 (en) 2009-03-19 2010-09-23 Metallux Ag position sensor
DE102009020286A1 (en) 2009-05-07 2010-11-11 Robert Bosch Gmbh Pressurizing medium cylinder i.e. pneumatic cylinder, for use in automation engineering field, has magnet elements coordinated to operating parameters of sensors and allocated to sensors by anti-twist protection unit of piston
DE102016213514A1 (en) * 2016-07-22 2018-01-25 Continental Automotive Gmbh Passive magnetic position sensor

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3736396A (en) * 1970-08-06 1973-05-29 H Siegel Minimum friction contactors
DE3803268A1 (en) * 1988-02-04 1989-04-13 Bosch Gmbh Robert Measuring device for a working cylinder
DE4309442C2 (en) * 1993-03-24 1996-09-12 Vdo Schindling Passive non-contact magnetic position sensor
DE4335004C2 (en) * 1993-10-14 2000-04-06 Hoffmann & Krippner Gmbh Sensor, measuring system with a sensor, method for detecting the distance of the compression points or the distance of the edges of a compression zone of a sensor and use of the sensor and measurement system

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102007056768A1 (en) 2007-11-23 2009-06-04 Metallux Ag sensor
EP2071276A1 (en) 2007-11-23 2009-06-17 Metallux AG Sensor
DE202008013690U1 (en) 2007-11-26 2009-02-12 Metallux Ag sensor
DE102009025458A1 (en) 2009-06-19 2011-01-05 Metallux Ag Sensor i.e. position sensor, has soft magnetic actuator body extending along one of carrier foils, and permanent magnetic restoring body extending along one of carrier foils on side that is turned away from actuator body
DE102009025458B4 (en) * 2009-06-19 2016-09-01 Metallux Ag sensor

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ATE319015T1 (en) 2006-03-15
DE502004000325D1 (en) 2006-04-27
EP1491771A1 (en) 2004-12-29

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